"Don't go through life, grow through life."
-Eric Butterworth
-Eric Butterworth
From the 1862 French novel by Victor Hugo, Les Miserables, "to love another person is to see the face of God". To our best comprehension, we are living not only in a temporary world, but a world not as God intended. In this blog, we hope to reclaim authentic cultural openness, thus seeking love and to see the face of God in all encounters. Join us on the journey! >>David & Jenny
Friday, December 16, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Household Name?
The world is indeed a big place. And within big places live many different types of lives. Por ejemplo, a world event can happen and receive headline news status, yet not quite reach the ears of the whole world. And how does that happen? Well, some people live life without the luxuries of technology, without the luxury of breaks in their day's schedule to relax and watch the news, or without the basic ability to read. So, is there such as thing as a household name? I'm brought to this questions based on my reflection of listening to a sport commentator communicating the significance of a star athlete's performance. Most recently, I can recall a commentator saying, "Dirk Nowitski is a household name, folks. Around the world people are sitting in their kitchen saying his name".
When I was studying Spanish for a month and learning to talk in casual conversations with my teacher, the subject of entertainment and fame came up. In my Spanish book, I translated questions from English to Spanish, questions that used real life scenarios such as people's names. Newsflash: my teacher did not know who Oprah was. He did not even know who Elvis was. I couldn't believe it, especially since my teacher wasn't even Mayan, he was Guatemalan but Ladino, meaning not of traditional descent so he has lived with having a television his whole life, having gone to school, and he occasionally visits an internet cafe to connect to the web.
What's the lesson here? I don't know if there is one. I just hope we don't live our lives in ignorance thinking there is equality in the world or that just because we've obtained the 'luxuries' means we are 'better' in comparison. Some communities here may be ignorant of 'what the world has to offer', in terms of luxuries, but they certainly still comprehend how to live and live it respectfully. They know how to live with what they have, which is something not often found in the States.
When I was studying Spanish for a month and learning to talk in casual conversations with my teacher, the subject of entertainment and fame came up. In my Spanish book, I translated questions from English to Spanish, questions that used real life scenarios such as people's names. Newsflash: my teacher did not know who Oprah was. He did not even know who Elvis was. I couldn't believe it, especially since my teacher wasn't even Mayan, he was Guatemalan but Ladino, meaning not of traditional descent so he has lived with having a television his whole life, having gone to school, and he occasionally visits an internet cafe to connect to the web.
What's the lesson here? I don't know if there is one. I just hope we don't live our lives in ignorance thinking there is equality in the world or that just because we've obtained the 'luxuries' means we are 'better' in comparison. Some communities here may be ignorant of 'what the world has to offer', in terms of luxuries, but they certainly still comprehend how to live and live it respectfully. They know how to live with what they have, which is something not often found in the States.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Above the Clouds
So, as we were driving to Xela the other week there was a stretch of road through the mountains that got up there in altitude. It turned out to be the most beautiful sight imaginable.
In fact, we drove above the clouds. Meaning, communities were housed above the clouds. Now, from having come from the known to be flat land of Indiana, altitude is a sight to see to begin with. But I was surprised at the ability to look down at the clouds.
Unfortunately, I was not able to get a quality photo because as I pulled out my camera quickly, the setting was on "sepia" without my knowledge, but here it is:
In fact, we drove above the clouds. Meaning, communities were housed above the clouds. Now, from having come from the known to be flat land of Indiana, altitude is a sight to see to begin with. But I was surprised at the ability to look down at the clouds.
Unfortunately, I was not able to get a quality photo because as I pulled out my camera quickly, the setting was on "sepia" without my knowledge, but here it is:
Monday, December 5, 2011
Travel Tips for Coming to Guatemala
This post is meant to be used as a guide for international traveling, specifically laying out details for Guatemala. Information can be taken as advice for travelers, or could simply be read to become further informed of the culture in which we live.
First Advice:
-pack light, but bring layers (the day hours are nice 70's, but mornings and evening get chilly). Some people wear scarves or winter hats, but usually a sweatshirt is enough. Keep in mind that you'll likely want to buy some of the textiles sold on the street (sweaters, shirts).
-bring Cipro (which you get from your doctor's prescription to be taken when stomach sick from food virus)
-bring bug repellant
Is it safe there?
Panajachel has a very low crime rate. Calle Santander is the main, heavily traveled street by tourists during both the day and night. It is wise to practice standard prevention techniques by being cautious and aware of your surroundings, but there is no danger of being mugged or confronted in any form. Community policing is very common, meaning that people look out for each other on the street, in terms of preventing theft.
How do I get to Panajachel from Guatemala City/the airport?
Panajachel is a 3 hour drive from the airport. A van shuttle is recommended; both private and public options are available and both are arranged through tourist agencies and are safe, secure, and comfortable. Per person for a private shuttle averages about $20 (one way) for the 3 hr drive.
Will I have email access?
Many hotels provide free wifi access, however not all. Many cafes also have wifi and it is very accessible. Quality of equipment and speed of service is not equivalent to that experienced in the States.
Are the local buses, known as chicken buses, safe to ride?
Chicken buses are very common for the locals. The buses are old school buses used in the States. In fact, many of them still have the "Blue Bird Midwest" plaque and model information and stickers, such as "keeping your children safe is our business". I rode a chicken bus last week to an outside village about an hour away and the bus plaque actually said it was made in 1979!!! Now, most of the buses are from the 90's, but you never know what to expect. The plaques also list the capacity information (i.e. 47), however Guatemalans have no concept of maximum capacity. When in Xela, Jenny and I rode a public 12 passenger van to get to the movie theater, and they put 27 people in there, literally (only 3 young kids). The chicken buses are great for short distances, and is a worthy cultural experience, but not to be considered for long-term or long-distance needs.
Do shops and restaurants accept U.S. dollars?
The exchange rate is about 7.5, so for every $1 you get 7.5 Q...so things are pretty cheap here. An average meal at a restaurant would be about 30 Q, or $4. When you are shopping on the street from vendors, dollars are often accepted, but change is given back in Q. More official stores, like the grocery, only accept Q. Credit/Debit cards are also usually accepted, however not recommended because each charge comes with an international fee. There are several secure ATM's. We'd recommend bringing a good amount of dollars when leaving the States, but be sure to carry it securely (such as in a hidden pants wallet).
Is the food safe to eat?
Tourists are very common, so the local restaurants do very good at catering to the needs and desires of foreigners. Eating salads and vegetables that are washed with tap water will make you sick, so typically meals like french fries, rice, beans, and meats are safest, but there are plenty of safe restaurants where you don't have to worry about how it was prepared. Eating from street vendors is always at your own risk of getting sick, but over time your body would adapt.
How much are hotels?
You should be able to find a very nice hotel (hot water, breakfast, wifi) ranging from $30-50 per night. Some get higher than that, but if you are on a budget then you can be within that range, possibly less.
What should I do there?
In Panajachel there are many day trip possibilities to neighboring villages across the lake. You can hike a volcano, do an adventurous zip-line through a forest of trees, shop at the cultural market, take a class to learn how to weave textiles, volunteer at a local orphanage or NGO, learn how to make tortillas, visit with us, or just relax (find a hammock, walk on the shoreline). Throughout the country you can take a coffee plantation tour, visit Mayan ruins, hike, tour caves (underwater), go to the ocean beach, and more, plus just relax.
If you have additionally questions then just comment and we can repost with new answers!
First Advice:
-pack light, but bring layers (the day hours are nice 70's, but mornings and evening get chilly). Some people wear scarves or winter hats, but usually a sweatshirt is enough. Keep in mind that you'll likely want to buy some of the textiles sold on the street (sweaters, shirts).
-bring Cipro (which you get from your doctor's prescription to be taken when stomach sick from food virus)
-bring bug repellant
Is it safe there?
Panajachel has a very low crime rate. Calle Santander is the main, heavily traveled street by tourists during both the day and night. It is wise to practice standard prevention techniques by being cautious and aware of your surroundings, but there is no danger of being mugged or confronted in any form. Community policing is very common, meaning that people look out for each other on the street, in terms of preventing theft.
How do I get to Panajachel from Guatemala City/the airport?
Panajachel is a 3 hour drive from the airport. A van shuttle is recommended; both private and public options are available and both are arranged through tourist agencies and are safe, secure, and comfortable. Per person for a private shuttle averages about $20 (one way) for the 3 hr drive.
Will I have email access?
Many hotels provide free wifi access, however not all. Many cafes also have wifi and it is very accessible. Quality of equipment and speed of service is not equivalent to that experienced in the States.
Are the local buses, known as chicken buses, safe to ride?
Chicken buses are very common for the locals. The buses are old school buses used in the States. In fact, many of them still have the "Blue Bird Midwest" plaque and model information and stickers, such as "keeping your children safe is our business". I rode a chicken bus last week to an outside village about an hour away and the bus plaque actually said it was made in 1979!!! Now, most of the buses are from the 90's, but you never know what to expect. The plaques also list the capacity information (i.e. 47), however Guatemalans have no concept of maximum capacity. When in Xela, Jenny and I rode a public 12 passenger van to get to the movie theater, and they put 27 people in there, literally (only 3 young kids). The chicken buses are great for short distances, and is a worthy cultural experience, but not to be considered for long-term or long-distance needs.
Do shops and restaurants accept U.S. dollars?
The exchange rate is about 7.5, so for every $1 you get 7.5 Q...so things are pretty cheap here. An average meal at a restaurant would be about 30 Q, or $4. When you are shopping on the street from vendors, dollars are often accepted, but change is given back in Q. More official stores, like the grocery, only accept Q. Credit/Debit cards are also usually accepted, however not recommended because each charge comes with an international fee. There are several secure ATM's. We'd recommend bringing a good amount of dollars when leaving the States, but be sure to carry it securely (such as in a hidden pants wallet).
Is the food safe to eat?
Tourists are very common, so the local restaurants do very good at catering to the needs and desires of foreigners. Eating salads and vegetables that are washed with tap water will make you sick, so typically meals like french fries, rice, beans, and meats are safest, but there are plenty of safe restaurants where you don't have to worry about how it was prepared. Eating from street vendors is always at your own risk of getting sick, but over time your body would adapt.
How much are hotels?
You should be able to find a very nice hotel (hot water, breakfast, wifi) ranging from $30-50 per night. Some get higher than that, but if you are on a budget then you can be within that range, possibly less.
What should I do there?
In Panajachel there are many day trip possibilities to neighboring villages across the lake. You can hike a volcano, do an adventurous zip-line through a forest of trees, shop at the cultural market, take a class to learn how to weave textiles, volunteer at a local orphanage or NGO, learn how to make tortillas, visit with us, or just relax (find a hammock, walk on the shoreline). Throughout the country you can take a coffee plantation tour, visit Mayan ruins, hike, tour caves (underwater), go to the ocean beach, and more, plus just relax.
If you have additionally questions then just comment and we can repost with new answers!
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